Major League Baseball and USA Baseball announced today the launch of their “Play Ball” initiative, which will encourage more children to get involved with baseball activities.

The initiative aims to make communities more aware of the various ways baseball can be played, such as just playing catch or stick ball.

“You don’t need to play a formal nine-on-nine baseball or softball game in order to play,” said Charley Frank, Reds Community Fund Executive Director. He said they aren’t just promoting baseball, but all diamond sports, such as wiffle ball and kickball, in a safe and fun way.

As part of this initiative, playball.org will feature coaching tips and parent resources, as well as information on how to participate in Play Ball activities, links to youth-related news and events and maps to find local community leagues.

The website will also feature “Baseball Near You,” a database of local playing opportunities, featuring more than 10,000 leagues throughout the United States.

“Play Ball is our largest effort to grow baseball and softball at the grassroots level, particularly among kids,” MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a news release. “The program will emphasize not only organized baseball and softball activity, but also the many variations of the game that do not require 18 players, umpires or a diamond. We are looking forward to working with USA Baseball and our partner organizations to encourage participation in the many ways to enjoy the national pastime and to strengthen our support of traditional styles of play.”

A free Play Ball Mobile Coaching App has also been launched, which can allow users to create customized practice plans and organize team data.

On Thursday, the Reds Community Fund finished its first session of the Cincinnati Reds Rookie Success League, which is in its 13th year and serves more than 2,000 children ages 6-12 in five locations.

“Any recreation activity is going to be a great option for kids during the summer,” Frank said.

Frank said they want to be able to provide inner-city and under-served children with something meaningful to do and the chance to play baseball, which is a great teaching sport that helps kids build character.

Frank said they built the program so there is mentoring and character education, as well as introductory baseball and softball.

Reds players J.J. Hoover and Chris Dominguez helped out Thursday at the camp in Roselawn. Frank said whenever the Reds play at home, there is usually at least one player helping out.

“I just love hanging out with the kids and getting them exited about baseball,” Hoover said. “We need more youth activation in baseball. It’s good to get them outside, too, and get them active, get them in a good social atmosphere.”

Frank said participation in youth baseball and softball has been on a decline, which threatens the future of major league baseball.

Frank said he was thrilled Manfred made youth baseball his number one priority when he took over as commissioner in January.

“So this is really just a reflection of how much the new commissioner and his administration recognize that youth participation is one of the core building blocks of having a healthy industry,” Frank said.